How to succeed in smaller companies

At some point in your career, you might be faced with the decision to work for a smaller company. If so, you aren’t alone, according to statistics from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which report 23 million small businesses in America account for 54 percent of all U.S. sales, in addition to creating 66 percent of new jobs since the 1970s.

When weighing in on the decision to work for a smaller company versus a larger one, it helps to take into account what is required in order to make the most of your experience. The allure of working for a smaller company is often based on exposure to a broader range of responsibilities and the opportunity to grow your skills at a faster pace. The characteristics and skills that are most attractive to small business are not that different from the large corporations, all employers look for committed employees who are motivated and care about the business needs.

If you are entertaining the thought of moving out of the corporate life and stepping into a more hands-on entrepreneurial work culture, a smaller company could be a great choice. However, there are some things to consider that could impact your career.

Career success in a small company is based on your ability to wear multiple hats in a work culture that is characterized by an informal structure. Most small companies will start out lacking the formal human resource process and often make hiring decisions based on “likeability.” That’s why having a flexible and open mindset is important when talking with business owners.

When considering a smaller size company, pay attention to the hands-on business exposure that comes from working side-by-side with decision makers. Success largely depends on your efforts to produce in a transparent environment whereas in larger corporations it can be easier to hide behind multiple teams and delegate projects to support staff.

Your ability to create and implement new ideas can happen rapidly; however, be prepared to have your ideas and work put to the test on a daily basis. Your contributions will be noticed by the owners as well as your teammates and while your career can soar at a much faster rate, your role will be more hands-on and delegating tasks will not an option.

Smaller companies can be unique in creating a family environment, with examples such as “bring your dog to work” and usually offering an atmosphere of more relaxed dress attire. Keep in mind that a small company culture can also attract some interesting personalities. Leadership training and having patience with loosely defined role descriptions and expectations are the norm. It’s important that you ask good questions during the interview process to help you make a good decision.

Overall, the choice to work for a small company can be a rewarding experience and offer you a different view of the market and exposure to decision makers who can serve as good mentors.

What made you decide to leave corporate life for a smaller company? Would you recommend the move to others?